BeeBee Stamps!

Altered Notebook #6

2012-02-12T18:38:00.000-06:00

This is the last of the notebooks that I bought to alter for myself and friends. I have done all six of them with sketches from Card Positioning Systems' 5th Anniversary. This sketch is the final one, Day 15.

My notebook cover was made with papers from K & Company and the Paper Studio. Spellbinders dies were used and Stampin' Up inks and stamp. I followed the sketch closely, but I did change the length of the two bottom panels to work better with my design. Embossed a piece of colored vellum (love that look) and added some stickers and pearls.

What am I going to do now that they won't be posting a sketch challenge every day????? Guess I'll go to the archives on the sidebar on their blog!!

Betty

A Red, Black and White Birthday

2012-02-12T03:12:00.003-06:00

I laid in bed for almost an hour tonight without being able to get to sleep so I decided to get up and make a card. If I can't sleep, I might as well be doing something enjoyable!!

This card was made with the inspiration from three wonderful challenge sites:

Repeat Impressions What If? Wednesday Sketch F812

I didn't deviate much from the sketch; kept it fairly simple and I really like how it turned out. I did add the banner with the birthday sentiment.

AnnaBelle Stamps Say It In....Red, Black and White

I followed this one to the letter; Nothing but red, white and black on this card!

Just Us Girls 123 Technique Challenge

We're to use or create an image with a button center. I hope that my flower qualifies. I have a red layer with white dots, then a sold red smaller layer; finally there is a solid red button in the center of the flower with homemade bakers twine threaded through the button holes and tied in a cute little bow!

The circle and banners were cut out with Spellbinders dies and white brads were added at the bottom corners of the three panels.

Hope you're all having (or will soon have) a restful night's sleep,
Betty

Red, Gold and Green

2012-02-11T12:38:00.003-06:00

I have a Christmas card to share today, made from the color combo at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown and the sketch challenge at Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 14. To the sides are the color challenge and sketch challenge photos:

My ornament image from Stubby Stampers was stamped with Versamark Ink and embossed with gold powder, then painted with reinkers. I managed to get outside the lines so I had to fussy cut the ornament and pop it up on the white panel which was sponged with Stampin' Up So Saffron. The metallic gold and red papers were both embossed with Cuttlebug embossing folders -- both the white and gold panels were cut out with Nestability Long Scalloped Rectangle dies. A strip of ribbon and a bow tied with the same ribbon completes this card.

The anniversary festivities are nearing an end for Card Positioning Systems. I have discovered just how much I enjoy their sketches so will be using them to jump start my card making in the future! Deadline to enter your cards for the sketch challenges will be February 18 -- so you still have plenty of time to get your cards made and entered. Prizes for individual sketch winners and the grand prize winner (for someone who has entered all 15 challenges) will be announced on Feb. 24.

Still cold, rainy and windy -- please come back, 70 degree temperatures!!
Betty

Thank You Card

2012-02-10T13:46:00.003-06:00

Today my card is made with a sketch from Papertrey Ink. This is Day 6 of their 5th Anniversary and Nichole has given us a choice of five sketches to choose from. I chose Sketch #5 and my sentiment from from PTI's set Think Big Favorites #6 -- (too bad it wasn't Think Big Favorites #5!!) The beautiful turquoise paper with white dots is from a Stampin' Up Designer Paper pack, Island Oasis. Satin ribbon came from The Dollar Tree; I found the buttons in my collection and tied them with my homemade baker's twine. The shiny turquoise stickers are from a Martha Stewart pack and I also used MS Branch punch.

On a more personal note, it's a coldish, rainy, windy day in Chapala. This kind of weather is so infrequent it surprised all of us this morning. So, we'll think about how nice it was yesterday. I've been wanting to show you both a sunrise and sunset from the same day and we managed to capture it yesterday. So, now, for your viewing pleasure........

Sunrise on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 from our front porch

Sunset from the back, viewed from the mirador (roof) of our house

If you can stand a little more trivia, I've been listening to record albumns today -- yes, vinyl -- 33 1/3 rpm -- LPs -- nostalgia, right???? The Best of Sam Cooke (1962, RCA), Neil Diamond's "Greatest Hits" (1968), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap's Greatest Hits (1970), Simon & Garfunkel Bookends (1968) -- includes Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate. We only brought about half of our record albums with us to Mexico -- but I'm glad we brought the ones we did!

Staying inside, taking a trip down Memory Lane,

Betty

Springtime Card

2012-02-09T12:40:00.001-06:00

My card today was made with the sketch from Day 12 of Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary and the recipe from Joan's Gardens to make a springtime card in blue and white with some sort of lattice and perhaps, add a bird. Nothing says springtime to me like birds singing, hence the stamp from a set by Clear Art Stamps which was cut out with a Nestabilities die and sponged with blue. I used a Stampin' Up Bashful Blue card base, DP from a Stampin' Up kit, with the lattice work created by a die from Papertrey Ink, Cover Plate - Quatrefoil.

My heart sings as I look at this card and out the window at all the hummingbirds and orioles and even a mischevious squirrel! Hope yours is singing too!

Betty

Thanks with Satin!

2012-02-08T22:16:00.000-06:00

Oh My Goodness!! Have you al seen the calla lilies blooming at Flourishes? Beauty, beauty, beauty!! This is one that I definitely need to add to my collection!

There is a Noon Day Challenge there today and another one tomorrow -- today, we are to be inspired by the following photo....

The beautiful satin ribbon was the inspiration for my card. All of my colored satin ribbons were not the proper color, so I went with white. I added a strip of ribbon to the horizontal stripe and then added a bow. I think that I would feel properly thanked if I were to receive this card!

Another wonderful challenge going on today is at Nicole Heady's Papertrey Ink blog, Capture the Moment.
If you follow this link you will not only find today's challenge, but their new products for February. This challenge inspired my color choices. Each one of the PTI design team picked a favorite color combo and we were to choose one for our card, using at least one Papertrey Ink product. Yesterday, or maybe it was the day before, Nicole gave us a freebie download with a number of wonderful images. The little flower with the stem "frame" was designed by Tiffany Pastor and provides the focal image for my card. The sentiment is from a PTI set, Gracious Vases. The color combo is a favorite of Dawn McVey:

The sketch that I used is from Freshly Made Sketches, #21, with its clean beautiful lines.

I hope you enjoyed my card and that you will join me in one or all of these challenges!
Betty

Birthdays - A Bird and A Bear

2012-02-08T08:36:00.000-06:00

I have two cards to share with you today. The sketches for the layout of both of my cards come from Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary challenges.

This card uses the sketch from Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 9. The papers are from Basic Grey and the sentiment is from AnnaBelle Stamps. The image is a photo that I shared on my blog several days ago of an oriole who has been making himself at home on my hummingbird feeders. What a blessing it has been to watch these beautiful birds!

I would also like to enter this card at the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #155 challenge - "Fly Away With Me" (use a bird on your project).

My next card is for Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 7.

The image is from Sassy Cheryl's and has been colored and blended with colored pencils and baby oil. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up and the embellishments include a flower of several layers and a little clothespin that I colored with a Bic Marker. I'm thinking it will be a cute birthday card for one of the children in our church.

Have a joy-filled day,
Betty

Delight in Life

2012-02-07T16:46:00.000-06:00

The cover of this little notebook was inspired by the sketch at Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 10. I made pink the dominant color because Lee Murphy chose this sketch to use and we want to keep our hostess happy!! Here is the sketch.....

I am enjoying making these notebooks and the CPS sketches have been just perfect for them.I'm glad we have several more days of sketches -- they'll help me finish my notebooks!!

Betty

Love These Colors!

2012-02-06T18:15:00.000-06:00

I'm going CAS with this card even though something makes me want to do more with it!! The layout is from

Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 8. I have flipped the sketch but I think you can still see it in my card. Here's the sketch:

There is another 5th Anniversary to celebrate -- Papertrey Ink! This is Day 2 of their festivities and there are free downloadable, printable images to be had for the taking (and thanking, of course!) I've used a beautifully colored image by Melissa Bickford for this card as well as Papertrey Ink white card stock for my card base. The printed papers are from a Stampin' Up Designer Paper Kit and the mat is SU Rose Red. Melissa's image provided the inspiration for my paper choices.

I would also like to enter my card at Flourishes - Bring Back Beautiful - The Beauty of Love challenge.

Hope you enjoyed my card -- the colors make me happy!

Betty

Star of Wonder, Star of Night

2012-02-06T11:55:00.000-06:00

I won this beautiful stamp set, The First Noel, from Flourishes toward the end of last year but because I live in Mexico, I was unable to get my hands on it until after Christmas. Since I'm getting an early start on Christmas cards for 2012, I had the chance to get it inky today!

There are two special challenges where I will be entering this card. The first is at Flourishes, and this gives me(and you too, if you enter) a chance to win their entire February release -- how fantastic is that? The challenge is to use black and white and a pop of one other color. The deadline to enter this challenge is Feb. 10, 5 pm EST -- plenty of time for you all to join the fun!

My next challenge is Merry Monday Sketch #6. This is a site that I have found recently and have really been enjoying Lesley's terrific sketches. Follow the link and check it out if you haven't had a chance to do that yet.

I was having trouble with my computer earlier, it even had me growling out loud! Picasa wasn't letting me crop my photos normally; finally got it to work but when I went to save my file, I wasn't able to rename it. So, going with the old file name I was able to load the photo to Blogger but then was not able to type in a title. Actually, was not able to type anything at all. I just happened to think to pull out my wireless keybord and this is working (for now). Guess my laptop keyboard isn't communicating properly. Man, I really don't want to have to take my laptop to the shop, but it may be my only option if things don't get better. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Betty

A Flower for a Birthday

2012-02-04T22:57:00.002-06:00

My card is for Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 5. I made it with an Always Artichoke base from Stampin' Up and a paper pack from K&Co. called Lemon Drop. I cut out the flower from one of the pages in the pack and added a beaded element that was a gift from a friend (thanks Connie - I miss you on Blogger!) Sentiment is from SU and the ribbon is Offray.

I would like to enter my card at The Paper Players where the challenge is to use a flower on your project.

Looks like it will be another beautiful day here. If you're not tired of them, here's another sunrise picture -- actually taken by me this time (woke up early this morning for some reason!)

That's Lake Chapala in the background and you can also see the mountains on the other side of the lake (in the center of the photo). I don't think I'll ever get over the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets -- they are all so different but beautiful, each and every one!

Betty

My Stamping Group

2012-02-04T19:27:00.001-06:00

We made valentines at our stamping group this morning. We always get together on the first Saturday of the month at our church. It was a lot of fun and I think everyone enjoyed the card that I had prepared for them to make. We had two ladies who were new to cardmaking and I think they are both converts! Here are two pictures of all the ladies showing off their cards!

Hope you all have a wonderful evening and a great day tomorrow!

Betty

Another Day, Another CPS Sketch!

2012-02-03T09:17:00.001-06:00

The sun is rising on another beautiful day at Lake Chapala, Mexico (photo courtsey of husband Larry, who is always up earlier than I am in the mornings!) The birds are stopping by for a drink at the sugar water feeders and I can hear lots of chirping! If I were outside I'd be able to hear the "whoosh-ing" of hummingbird wings, too!

I have also completed another sketch for the 5th Anniversary of Card Positioning Systems (Day 4).

This looks like a card but it's actually a front cover for another one of the little notebooks that I made a couple of posts ago! I just haven't been back to Sorianna to purchase more of the notebooks yet. I used a patterned paper pack from the Paper Studio, Poteeka Souffle w/glitter. The stamp of the bird is one I got from the $1 bin at Michaels and the word "joy" is part of a sentiment stamp from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Button Bits. They are stamped with Stampin' Up's Taken With Teal ink and the sponging is with the same innk. I combined two ribbons and some pretty brads to finish it off.

Hoping you all have a wonderful day,

Betty

Vases and Gourds

2012-02-02T09:41:00.002-06:00

This card was made for a challenge at The Ribbon Carousel to use paper piecing and, of course, some ribbon, lace, twine or most anything that comes on a spool. All of my vases are paper pieced with paper from a pack by Pressed Petals, Baby Boy. The flowers are stamped onto the ivory card stock. Vases and flowers are from a set by Papertrey Ink, Gracious Vases. The shelf is a stamp from a Gina K. Designs set, Nana's Needlework. The ribbon is from Michaels and was a absolutely perfect match for the patterned papers -- almost like they came together as a kit.

We visited with our friends yesterday afternoon who gifted us with that beautifully carved gourd. We saw so many lovely, fascinating pieces that he has carved, both from wood and gourds. I'm going to post a link where you can see all the pictures I took yesterday afternoon but I'll give you a sneak peek so that you'll know it will be worth your time to look at all the pictures!

The gourds still in their natural state.

This is Herschel, in his workshop, with the gourd he's working on now.

Some completed projects

A wood carving

Here's the link to a Picasa Web Album (crossing my fingers that it works!)

https://picasaweb.google.com/117097305471329563789/HerschelSArt?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-d3LiRp-WIGw#

edited: looks like you'll have to copy and paste the link

"Talk" to you later,

Betty

Surprising Birthday

2012-02-01T09:03:00.001-06:00

Here is a birthday card made with the sketch from Day 3 of Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary. We do have a few families in our church with younger families even though most of us are of the retired sort! I've made this card for one of the younger ladies.

Paper is from a Stampin' Up designer paper pack, the focal sentiment is stamped on Gina K. Designs Ocean Mist card stock in SU Taken With Teal ink and sponged with SU Tempting Turquoise ink. The sentiment is from the GKD set Eclectic Summer Sayings. Spellbinders scalloped rectangle dies were used for cutting.

I would also like to enter this card into the Sassy Cheryl's 100th challenge to use a punch and and somsething shimmery. The butterfly was punched in the Ocean Mist card stock for the bottom layer and a piece of patterned paper for the top layer. Then I used Perfect Pearls to give my butterfly that pretty shimmer. Congrats to the Sassy Cheryl gang on their 100th challenge!

We had a few couples over to our house last Saturday night for a potluck supper and a few rounds of Catch Phrase, one of our favorite games. One of the couples brought us a beautiful gift -- a carved gourd. Not only is it beauitful, they filled it with Jolly Rancher candies!! Herschel is quite an accomplished wood carver but since wood is hard to find here, he has started carving gourds. We're invited to their home this afternoon so I'll probably have more pictures of his wood carvings to show you -- I've heard that they are absolutely fantastic!

Adios,
Betty

Make It Monday on Tuesday

2012-01-31T15:52:00.000-06:00

This is my second post today. It's good to be back having fun creating -- I was in a bit of a funk for a few days last week!

Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday video was delayed until today but it was worth waiting for! Nicole shows us how to make a dimensional sentiment banner. Please check out her video because she can explain it much better than I could. I let the patterned paper do the work for my background but Nicole stamped a beautiful background and then added the banner. After adding my banner and the flowers I felt like my card still needed something. I added a pleated ribbon and even though I completely love the effect I don't know that I will do it again. It almost had me ready to scream it was so tedious. Anyone know an easy way to do this?????

My sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Button Bits and don't you just love those light plum colored pearls -- I think they came from Michaels.

I'm going to save this for my mother-in-law's birthday. She can't see very well up close but this has lots of texture that she will be able to feel.

Betty

A Pearly Happy Birthday!

2012-01-31T09:54:00.001-06:00

Did you know that Card Positioning Systems is having a 5th Anniversary? If not, you need to check out their site (see link below) and take part in all the festivities! Come have fun as designers pick out their favorite past sketch. There are several sponsors and each sponsor will host two challenges.

Card Positioning Systems 5th Anniversary Day 2 with Linda Beeson and Gina K. Designs

Stamp TV's Mix It Up Monday with Joy Hadden -- use pearls (because she loves them and wears them all the time -- even to exercise class!)

I picked up this color combo from Vicki Dutcher's blog and really like it! My card base is Stampin' Up Taken With Teal, the lighter blue is Gina K. Designs Ocean Mist. I cut out a circle from the lighter blue panel so that the teal would show through then embossed with Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. The scalloped piece on which I stamped my image from GKD's Spring Mix stampTV kit, is popped up on dimensionals. Sentiment is from GKD's Fanciful Tags. The corner accents are a ProvoCraft die and I've used pearls as accents in the corners, flower centers and sides.

Later,
Betty

Season's Greetings

2012-01-30T17:45:00.000-06:00

Wow! Can you believe that it is January 30 already? And do you know what that means?????? Only ten months left to get those Christmas cards done!! lol

Here is this week's sketch from Merry Monday.....

I like the fact that Lesley makes these sketches clean and simple -- so that cards can be easily produced and mailed. Of course, if you like lots of layers and fancy stuff, use double or triple mats and embellish to your heart's content. (Is that okay, Lesley? -- geez, I hope so!)

This card was made with my red, black, creme and white paper pack, Magic of the Season. The stamp is from Layers of Color, Reindeer Waltz, and the ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.

I stamped the reindeer and then cut out a portion so that his head and legs were outside the Fancy Tags die cut from Spellbinders. I don't always have the best of luck with that technique but it worked pretty well this time.

We're getting a little rain here today in Chapala -- the first one since the rainy season ended in September. I've also been bird watching -- the hummers are swarming all around our yard and we're still having those gorgeous orioles visiting the sugar water feeders.

I think the first photo is a black-vented oriole and the second is a hooded oriole. We've seen several types with slightly different coloring, but all beautiful!!

Bye for now,

Betty

Rejoice

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-06:00

Challenges Entered:

52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown -- Use at least three sparkly rhinestones
Crazy 4 Challenges -- Layer it On! use lots of layers and embellies
Sugar Creek Hollow -- Color combo of Cream, Blue and Brown
Do You Stack Up -- Use ribbons
Speedy Fox and Friends -- Use at least four layers
Repeat Impressions WHAT IF Wed. Sketch Challenge

I'm digging down into my stash of papers and trying to use different ones. These papers come from an old Stampin' Up designer paper pack that I inherited from a cousin years ago. I got so much paper at that time that it's hard to use even a little bit from each pattern! I really have NO NEED whatsoever to buy patterned paper but somehow it just calls my name and pulls me in!!

The stamp is from Layers of Color, Christmas Verses.

For embellishments I've used light blue rhinestones, flowers, ribbon, lace and a Martha Stewart branch punch.

This is my second post today. If you'd like to see my card for the Roses' January 2012 Challenge, please see previous post.

Thanks for your visit,
Betty

A Roses Winter Wonderland

2012-01-29T07:49:00.003-06:00

Kym challenged us to created a Winter card in shades of blue for our January challenge. I created a shaker card by punching out a bunch of little circles -- didn't think I would ever get finished punching out all those little guys!! Sorry......I'm pulling your leg; I have a border punch that gives you a bunch of those circles, only they normally go in the trash!

I used Royal Snowflake Glitter Rub Ons; did one on a piece of glittery card stock that I cut out and used in the corner; rubbed on a couple of smaller one on the acetate that encloses those little "shakers", and one more in the upper right corner -- rubbed it directly onto the card base.

The stamp is from Stampin' Up -- Star Studded Season. It also was stamped directly onto the card base so that the shaker part of the card would be the main focal point.

Be sure to check out the other Roses in the bouquet -- they are quite a group of talented, sweet and fun ladies and you can find links to their blogs on my sidebar!

There were a couple of other challenges that fit the theme of this card.
Jellypark Challenges -- to create a Winter Wonderland
Crafty Contagion -- to make a Winter or Snowy card
Papertrey Ink Make it Monday -- shaker card

Betty

Birthday Card NOT for a Guy!

2012-01-28T08:21:00.003-06:00

These are the challenges I'm entering with this card --

Eat, Sleep, Stamp Sketch Challenge

stampTV's Friday Free For All -- use at least one stamped flower and two shapes

Paper Play Challenges -- use lovely lace
Lily Pad Card Challenges -- use patterned paper
Speedy Fox and Friends -- use at least four layers

My patterned paper is from an old Stampin' Up designer paper pack.

Stamps that I used are Gina K. Designs, You Are Not Alone and Fanciful Tags

also, Papertrey Ink's Background Basics: Gingham

Spellbinders Dies to cut the circles and sentiment

Pearls from Michaels and Lace from Melisa Waldorf (thanks, gf!)

Hope you come back again,

Betty

Kisses for Ladies

2012-01-27T11:12:00.002-06:00

Just had to show you something cute that I've been working on! The digital image, Clara Caterpiller, is from Digital Delights by Looby Lou. I made this as a Valentine's Day gift for the little girl whose parents operate the assisted living home where my MIL lives. I generated the sentiment on the computer and used some homemade bakers twine that matches the image.

I couldn't stop there -- decided to make one for each of the ladies who live at the home.

I have filled the boxes with Hershey's Kisses, which fit perfectly. I knew they would be perfect because Santa left a box filled with Kisses in my stocking at Christmas! I took the (empty) box and tore it apart to make a template which I traced onto the card stock to make these boxes. Here's my template....

You might have to click on the picture of the template to see it better -- you will notice that it says Ho-Ho-Ho Feliz Navidad! (I guess Ho-Ho-Ho is the same in any language!!)

I will enter my boxes in the challenge at Delightful Sketches, for Valentines -- Anything but a Card!

Betty

A Reindeer Christmas

2012-01-26T10:11:00.001-06:00

The layout of my card is inspired by the sketch challenge at Merry Monday Challenge #4

Paper and Such in combination with The Ribbon Carousel are having a challenge to make a holiday card with non-traditional colors. I consider red and green to be traditional Christmas colors so my colors of Stampin' Up Not Quite Navy and Silver and Aqua will be my non-traditional colors. ooops! FYI, if you enter at The Ribbon Carousel, be sure to include ribbon, twine, lace, thread -- basically, anything that comes on a spool!

I embossed a silver metallic paper with Cuttlebug's DVine Swirl folder and using my finger, applied some meatallic rub on paste to the swirls (don't know if you can see this in the photo). I cut and embossed the base for my image, rubbing on the same metallic paste while the paper was still in the die. Traced around the outer edge of this die and cut it out in order to get a darker colored mat. I stamped one of the reindeer from Layers of Color's Reindeer Waltz and fussy cut it, adhering to the matted base so it looks like he's flying away....... The sentiment is stamped with Versamark ink and then heat embossed with silver tinsel powder. Next I cut it out with a scalloped rectangle die and inked the edges with a silver pen. To assemble the card, I layered a panel of aqua paper onto the base of Not Quite Navy (hoping the lighter colored spots on this paper would resemble snowflakes -- use your imagination for this one, folks!) and adhered each layer till my card was all done.

I've really enjoyed the CAS sketches here at Merry Monday and at Freshly Made Sketches. Even thought I'm trying to get out of my box and try different styles, these clean layered cards are probably my favorite!

Come back anytime!!
Betty

Chinese New Year Pocket Card

2012-01-25T20:45:00.000-06:00

Today's card is for Monday's challenge at stampTV by Kary Lim to make a Pocket/Envelope card that includes the color red, which is the color associated with Chinese New Year.

I have used Gina K. Designs stamps; flowers from the Spring Mix stampTV kit and the sentiment is from Fanciful Tags. The butterfly and the Spellbinders banner die cut are popped up on dimensionals.

I've been having trouble putting a card together the past couple of days even though I have a number of challenges written down that should be very interesting ones. Thanks to Colleen for pointing me to the stampTV challenge. Hopefully, it has given me a jump start and my "card-making motor" will keep on humming!!

Betty

Christmas Snowman

2012-01-23T08:12:00.001-06:00

Saw a card at Jennie Harper's blog using the sketch from CPS Sketch 252. Here's the sketch and my card.

Would you believe that I was going to enter this card into two other challenges but when I reviewed them just now, I realized that I had gotten the details wrong on both of them! Our preacher said something yesterday about our memories not working really great all the time -- guess I just proved him right!

I used a Christmas paper pack with red, black, white and cream colors to cut out panels for the background. It's called Magic of the Season. The stamp is from Inkadinkado, Holiday Silhouettes. Used Nestabilities to cut out and mat the image. Also did some paper piercing on the three panels and the scallops around the image. A bit of lace to make it extra pretty and I have another Christmas card done!!

Betty

Be Strong and Courageous

2012-01-22T16:09:00.004-06:00

Are you ready for a purple card? Hope so, because that's what is on the menu here today!

I have three challenges that played a part in this card:

Paper Players #79 - make a clean and simple card with a tag on it

Sugar Creek Hollow -- go girly!

Word Art Wednesday -- use the word art of Joshua 1:9

Hope you enjoyed my card. Now, I need to share a picture that my hubby took of the sunrise this morning as seen from our front porch. He said that he wasn't able to catch it at it's peak gorgeousness, but I'm pretty impressed with what I see here!

Wishing you beautiful sunrises and bright days ahead,

Betty

Quick Cards

2012-01-21T14:28:00.000-06:00

This card is a CASE from Andrea's Stamping Moments Simply Saturday. She inspired me with her single layer card. I masked the area for the sentiment by punching a post-it note on the sticky area and placed it on the card. Then stamped the tree (a clear Martha Stewart stamp that came in a set with glitter or beads) and then sponged Ranger Distress Ink, Crushed Olive. Then removed the mask and stamped the sentiment which is from the Annabelle Stamps set, Sentimental Bluebells. The acorns at the bottom are from the same Martha Stewart set as the tree. I wanted to have a little dimension with my card so I stamped on a panel and adhered it to the card base.

That went really quickly so I did another.....

Not sure where I got this wheat stamp; the sentiment is Annabelle Stamps, from the set All Things Grow; same technique but added some twine to dress it up just a bit! Two more masculine birthday cards for the church!

Betty

A Note of Thanks

2012-01-20T22:02:00.001-06:00

As usual, the turquoise in my card looks blue but is really is turquoise, along with lime and yellow, the color challenge from Annabelle Stamps. You should check out the cards from the design team -- they are smashing!

My layout uses the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches #18. I have found several challenges at Lesley's blog, Always Playing With Paper that are new to me that I know I will be playing along with from now on! Also met a new on-line friend who loves watching birds as much as I do -- hi LeAnne!

The challenge at Do You Stack Up? is to use patterned paper; designer paper, or create your own. My patterned paper is all from Stampin' Up. The fan fold flower is made from patterned paper although it's a bit difficult to see. Actually, it's the flip side of the turquoise piece with white polka dots and contains all the colors of the challenge.

I've been seeing cards with lots of "white space"; I'm going to try to get used to making some cards in this style along with continuing to make a few each month in the vintage style! Hope you'll walk along with me on this journey to try something "a little different"!

Betty

Shades of Red and Orange

2012-01-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

Haven't made a card in the past couple of days so I'm posting one that I made for one of the latest Flourishes release noon time challenges. Since this is the Chinese "Year of the Dragon" we were to be inspired by the shades of the fiery dragon.

Again, it was made to fill a need for masculine birthday cards. I really like the layout; I had saved a picture of a sketch challenge for a long time and just ran across it stuffed in the pocket of a binder.

I've been making my own baker's twine for the past couple of days. Went to the local street market on Wednesday and bought crochet thread and have been coloring it with Bic Markers. Here are the four colors that I've done so far.....

I've had shades of red in both of these pictures, so let me add a couple more....

This is what I call a "fluffy" poinsettia. Is it not gorgeous?????

And here's the full screen view..... I never cease to be amazed at how large they grow here in Mexico!

Later, Betty

Layers, Layers, I Love Layers!

2012-01-18T10:13:00.000-06:00

The layout for my card comes from The Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge; here's their sketch:

I will also be entering this card in the Annabelle Stamps Challenge - Say It With .... Anything Goes

The papers on my card are from Basic Gray and stamps are from Annabelle Stamps, All Things Grow.

I saw cards created with this sketch on several of my friends' blogs and thought I'd jump on the bandwagon too. Still working on those masculine birthday cards!

Betty

P.S. The bird from yesterday's post is an oriole -- possibly an altimira oriole or a baltimore oriole.

Joy and Peace

2012-01-17T09:39:00.001-06:00

This card was made for Lesley's Merry Monday Challenge #3. My stamp is from Layers of Color, Christmas Blessings and the papers are from a paper pack titled Magic of the Season. This was a sketch challenge, clean and simple, making an easily produced card -- except for the fussy cutting of the sentiment, of course!

I feel so sorry for all of my friends who are stuck in mounds of snow or shivering in low temps. We are enjoying a fairly mild winter (our lows are in the 50's at night and we all freeze so that shows you how wimpy we are!). We put up hummingbird feeders since our hibiscus are still fairly small and have had a lot of hummingbird traffic -- I can watch them from my craft desk! We have also had a larger bird who has been taking advantage of the sugar water. How he can get it, I don't know but he keep coming back for more. Also, I don't know what type of bird he is -- let me know if you can identify him.

Hope everyone can carve out some crafting moments today!

Betty

Make It Monday Ghost Masking

2012-01-16T14:30:00.003-06:00

My card today was inspired by Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday with Betsy Veldman -- Ghost Masking. Friends, you have to check out the video -- it's a terrific technique! I had to improvise with what I had on hand and even though it didn't turn out quite as nicely as Betsy's, I was quite pleased with my first attempt!

I would also like to enter this into the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow -- embossing.

My good friend, Mary Anne, let me know that my card would fit the challenge at Art Impressions and Do You Stack Up so I would like to enter my card at these sites also. AI's challenge is Pink, Pink, and More Pink -- isn't that a fun title? DYSU also wants us to Be Pinky!

After completing the ghost masking technique, I embossed my panel with one of the Cuttlebug folders in the set Paper Lace II, and then sponged some Distress Ink Tattered Rose on top of the embossing. Also used this same ink to sponge on the edges of my ivory card base. The flowers are from a Martha Stewart set, Clear Camellia Stamps, and they were stamped with Stampin' Up ink, Rose Red, Regal Rose and More Mustard. The circle is a Gina K. Designs stamp from the Spring Mix StampTV set and was stamped with Momento London Fog.

Added a little piece of ribbon in the corner with a couple of buttons tied with a piece of that shiny embroidery floss for embellishment.

Hope you'll check out the video and try this technique -- would love to know how you like it!

Betty

There's Something In My Pocket

2012-01-15T19:15:00.002-06:00

Jellypark Friends Friday Challenges wants us to use a pocket on our card. Their theme is "Something In My Pocket". I had no pocket stamps so I cut out a pocket shape and added faux stitiching and brads. PaperPlay Challenges has the theme "In Stitches" -- this can either be faux, hand, or machine stitches.

And this is what's in my pocket.......

Speedy the Fox and Friends is having a challenge to create with a border punch. I used my Stampin' Up Scallop Border punch to create some layers at the bottom edge of my card.

I would also like to enter this card into the ABC Challenge - H is for Happy Birthday.

The birthday sentiments are from Annabelle Stamps. Did you notice the shiny embroidery thread on the little "pocket pull-out"? A friend from church gave me some of the most beautiful Brazillian embroidery thread recently, hoping that I might be able to use it on my cards since she was never able to get around to using it for embroidery! It is simply gorgeous stuff -- thanks, Lucinda!

Hope you all had a blessed Lord's Day!

Betty

Remember Happy Moments

2012-01-14T18:11:00.000-06:00

Here I am, getting out of my box again! This is a one layer card and as per the challenge at Less Is More, it is a one layer card with a bird. All of the birdie stamps come from a Clear Art Stamps set that I bought used from Nina Bracket last year. Couldn't find a name for the set but there was a number on the back -- 139. The sentiment is Autumn Leaves, Remember -- got it on sale at Wal-Mart a good while ago. The name of the background stamp is Solid Block Group, by Stampabilities. Vicki Dutcher reminded me about the ink, spritz and stamp technique in one of her recent posts and this is what I did with the blocks (which is one large stamp, by the way).

Crazy 4 Challenges 119 is requesting a monochromatic blue card and Just Us Girls 119 has a technique challenge; they are asking for a collage card (mine is a collage of stamps -- I guess it could also be a collage of blues).

Last, but certainly not least, Stamping Together Divas has a love challenge. It can be a valentine or a love card. Along with "Remember Happy Moments", my card also says "Love Warms Every Nest". I thought that this might be a good card for a mom whose little bird is leaving the nest -- she has many happy moments to hold close to her heart and the joy of knowing that she provided a warm nest for that little one, who is now not so little any more!

Later,
Betty

Another Guy Birthday Card

2012-01-14T14:07:00.000-06:00

My card started out as a challenge over at Flourishes for their new release week. However, I couldn't make it work with only two layers so I gave up and made it the way I wanted to make it! You know, you just can't please everybody all of the time!!

My tree is from Stampin' Up. I colored the stamp with markers and the impression came out perfectly. Love that you can see the tree trunk all the way up through the pine needles! Used a Cuttlebug folder (Checker Board) to emboss the background panel and the sentiment is from Layers of Love which was cut out with a Spellbinders die and sponged. Got a terrific embossed impression with this die too!

This will be another card for the church's birthday file!

Betty

A Look of Nature

2012-01-12T23:39:00.000-06:00

Good Morning All! I surely do hope that Blogger is more cooperative today than it was yesterday. I had a lot of trouble getting to blog posts and once there, more problems leaving comments.

My card this morning uses Repeat Impressions Sketch J1112 --

I will also enter the Dutch Dare Challenge -- For the Boys. I need to get some masculine birthday cards made for folks in the church this next month so this challenge was perfect!

I used Annabelle Stamps, All Things Grow and cut the sentiment with a Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio die. The green background panel was embossed with a Cuttlebug Folder, Forest Branches, and the border was done with Martha Stewart's Grass border punch. The border is adhered to the inside bottom edge of the card and the front panel is cut a little shorter than the rest of the card.

Thanks for coming by,

Betty

Christmas Cards?

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

Yep, my cards today are for Christmas, 2012. ABC Christmas Challenges has released their first challenge for this year - A is for Anything Christmas. The oranament stamp is from Inkadinkado, Holiday Silhouettes, and the sentiment is Stampin' Up. The ornament was "fussy cut" and popped up on a sponged Nestabilities die cut.

The layout of my card comes from the challenge at Freshly Made Sketches #17. Here's the sketch:

This is my first entry at this challenge site; I was too late with my card last week. I do like their neat and clean sketches; I've been trying to get comfortable with other styles, but neat and clean remains my favorite!
I will also be entering this card at For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes.

Thought that I might try to sell some Christmas cards this year since we don't have an outlet for cards in English here so I made an extra card while I was at it. The Christmas tree stamp is also from the same set by Inkadinkado and the sentiment is from Layers of Color, Christmas Verses.

So long and best wishes for a happy day,

Betty

Make It Monday with Papertrey Ink

2012-01-11T11:07:00.000-06:00

Dawn McVey demonstrated the technique for making a background with border dies. I don't have any of those gorgeous border dies from Papertrey Ink (will have to be satisfied with a "wish list" for now) so I used a Martha Stewart border punch.

My card design matches the one that Dawn created here very closely. She used stitching where the borders backed together and I used a strip of the colored paper. She put her sentiment on top of her butterfly die which she had decorated with a button but I didn't want to cover up this beauty. Next I stamped the sentiment in Cameo Coral and was very pleased with the overall look.

Check out the video -- you might want to give this a try!

Betty

Butterflies

2012-01-10T09:25:00.001-06:00

I was a little to late getting this card made for the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches but will try to do better this week. Don't you just love this brilliant butterfly? All I had to do was print and cut it out. I had two others cut out but they were too large for the space so I had to stamp a couple of little ones (Martha Stewart stamp). They are all popped up with dimensionals. The brown "leather look" background was leftover from my first attempt at the cowboy card I posted yesterday and adding the blue made it perfect for the Designer's Choice Challenge at Repeat Impressions, to use the colors brown and blue. I colored the pearls with a Bic marker to match the butterfly. I thought a sentiment on the front might distract the eye from the butterfly so I decided that I would stamp the inside when I decide how it will be used.

I was honored to have the vintage collage card that I made for the Roses December Challenge featured by Karen at The Graphics Fairy yesterday. It was also nice to have lots of visitors come by my blog to get the details of the card. Thanks, Sue, for giving us Roses a great challenge and thank you, Karen, for showcasing my card on your blog; your images made it possible to create my collage card with relative ease!

I know it's Tuesday but I'm working on Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday today. Hope you'll come back tomorrow to see how it turns out!!
Betty

Cowboy Card

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hello all! I had so much fun making this card. It sent me down "Memory Lane" and I'll tell you more about that later. I have used the sketch from Repeat Impressions and will also enter this into the challenge at Catered Crop to use a button or buttons.

The image is the same that I used a couple of days ago from Digital Two for Tuesday; I printed two at the same time so I had another to work with. I used leather textured paper from Sizzix and did some paper piercing on it; I then added a button that has a leather look. The image was also matted with the leather look paper. It is all mounted on an ivory cardbase.

Okay, here's where I go off on a tangent. Who remembers the tv western "The Virginian" which ran from 1962 - 1971? Trampas was my favorite character and I got to thinking that he fell in love with a sweet little thing on the next ranch over from Shiloh and she made this for him, using cowhide, of course. He hung it up beside his cot in the bunkhouse and looked at it every evening before going to sleep. Unlike all the story lines on the tv shows, however, sweet Betsy does not get sick and die, nor do bad guys shoot her and she does not survive. Trampas saves the life of Betsy's father and he then helps them get their own little ranch, they get married ...........

(wordart from Ginger's House)

Thanks for putting up with my flight of fancy,
Betty

Another Give Away from Melanie

2012-01-09T00:10:00.001-06:00

You really need to check out Melanie Muenchinger's blog post here. She is giving away one of her latest stamp sets, "Make a State-ment" and also gives a very unique way in which to use the butterfly in the set. Here is her card:

Isn't her card fantastic??? The butterfly on my card is from Stampin' Up but it has a similar shape to the one in Melanie's set so I was able to take Mel's idea and make a card of my own. (When I win this set, I'll be able to use Mel's butterfly instead!! I'm thinking positively, you see!) The sentiment comes from Melanie's set "Inspiration Mosaic". On the inside of the card I have used the birthday sentiment from Gina K. Design's set "Inside and Out". It says "May your birthday be filled with yesterday's memories, today's joys, and tomorrow's dreams." -- I love that!

I have to confess that on my first draft of this post I put my card directly underneath Melanie's and her gorgeous Copic coloring really washed my card out, so.....I decided to put the written explanation of my card first!! What can I say, she's the famous designer and I'm not!!

Here is the card I made:

This will be a birthday card for someone in our church and believe me, there are a lot of folks here with a lot of life in their years. My DH plays tennis with a fellow who just had his 91st birthday! And DH's tennis coach is 87 years old, walks a mile every day, then rides his bicycle for another mile, gives tennis lessons and goes out dancing in the evenings!! There's a lot to be said for life in Chapala, Mexico!!

Adios,
Betty

Vintage Card

2012-01-08T15:37:00.004-06:00

I've made a vintage card for the challenge over at Sugar Creek Hollow where they are asking us to make something for our card using toilet tissue, paper towels, or coffee filters. My flower was made with a coffee filter.

I have used the sketch from Just Us Girls 118. I did add a sentiment at the bottom which was not shown on the sketch -- hope that's okay. Here's the sketch in case you'd like to use it too.

7 Kids Challenge - Try Something New is asking us to use a new technique, a new style or a new product. I am trying to get more comfortable with the vintage style and although I've made a card and a tag lately in the vintage style, I'd still say that it's new for me. And I've never made a flower with a coffee filter before either!

The lovely image that I've used on my card comes from Digital Two for Tuesday; Cora has wonderful vintage images there and at Clearly Vintage.

I've used a beautiful ribbon that was a gift from my friend Melisa Waldorf. By the way, Melisa is in the process of making a video tutorial so keep an eye on her blog for that! Back to the ribbon, I sponged it with Antique Linen, a Distress Ink from Tim Holtz so it would coordinate with my color scheme. The edges of my card base were also sponged with Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Antique Photo (thought that was appropriate with the image I was using!).

Sentiment stamp is from Gina K. Designs' set Fanciful Tags. Cut it out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags die. You can't see that very well on the photo but I did want it to blend in with thebackground so I guess you'd say I accomplished what I set out to do!

Well, that's all for now. Come on back now, 'ya hear?
Betty

For A New Baby Boy

2012-01-07T09:53:00.001-06:00

My card today is made with four different challenges in mind.

Flourishes New Year challenge -- I have chosen to make a card for a new baby.
StampTV Friday Free For All -- make a baby card
Our Craft Lounge / Lily Pad Cards Challenge -- color challenge -- Navy/Silver/Light Blue (card entered at both sites)

I found some light blue patterned paper with baby phrases and another piece with dots. Cut one piece with a Nestabilities die and traced around the outside of the die on the navy paper to make a mat which I then outlined with a silver pen. Added a little bow and some silver pearls for embellishments.

I will be giving this card to the owners of our favorite restaurant here in Chapala. This will be their third son and is to arrive some time this month. The restaurant is located at their home so I'm sure we'll enjoy watching the little fellow grow up!

Here's the inside of the card:

Punched the corners with a Martha Stewart punch and added another piece of the "baby phrases" paper which was matted the same as the outside. Congratulations sentiment in Spanish from a set from Stampin' Up.

Thanks for stopping by,
Betty

Another Make It Monday Technique

2012-01-05T20:33:00.001-06:00

Okay, I'll admit it, it's a little hard to see in the photo, but this technique is for a vellum sentiment. I think it needs to be on a darker background to be seen better, but this is the way it was made! The "thanks" sentiment is from my new PTI set, Think Big Favorites #6 and the flower was stamped with PTI's Background Basics: Gingham, also a new set. The flower is a two stamp process from a Martha Stewart set and the flourish that is stamped in Versamark ink is from See D's.

The vellum is scored and Scor-Tape is added behind the score so you can adhere it to the cardstock without the tape showing. Of course, in the picture, you can't even see the score! Guess I really do need to do this again with a darker background!

It was driving me a little nuts, so I decided to make another card with a darker background but I think I figured out that the actual "problem" was the type of vellum I used. On this card, the vellum is more opaque so it can be seen much easier. What do you think about this one?

The nightingale is from the same set as the above flourish from See D's and the sentiment is from PTI's Gracious Vases. The metallic accent was purchased in the jewelry making section at Hobby Lobby.

Later,
Betty

Papertrey Ink Go-To Sentiment Card

2012-01-04T11:22:00.000-06:00

This is my second card for the review of Papertrey Inks Make It Monday Video Series. This technique of using sentiments for your card was their very first video and presented by Erin Lincoln. The "take care Feel Better Soon " sentiment is from PTI Think Big Favorites #6 and the "hope you're feeling better" is from PTI Everyday Button Bits. The upper sentiment was purchased from Michael's. The little butterfly is from a Martha Stewart set and the leaves are from Stampin' Up. I made two of these flowers quite a while ago; one was used for a Roses challenge and I never used this little guy so now it's his turn to shine!!

Hope you enjoy my card and your day as well!

Betty

Make It Monday

2012-01-03T11:22:00.001-06:00

Do you play over at Make It Monday with Papertrey Ink? This week they are showcasing the 46 videos that they did this past year, highlighting different techniques. The challenge is to pick one of your favorites or one that you may have missed to use on your card. I think that I am going to try several of them this week as there is no limit to the number of times you can enter.

This card uses a technique demonstrated by Nichole Heady -- Line Frame 101 (Make It Monday #12). I have used one of the new Papertrey Ink sets that I just received called Gracious Vases. The background is embossed with a Cuttlebug folder and the image is double matted. I like the clean look of this card and will be pleased to send it out as a Thank You!

Click on the link above and check out some of these videos!

Betty

Caroline's Blog Candy

2012-01-02T09:31:00.001-06:00

I "met" Caroline when she came from Olga's blog to see my Roses challenge card . She is offering blog candy to those who would become her followers; as her blog highlights some lovely creations that she has made with Heartfelt Creations, you will not be disappointed with her posts!! Click here to enter.

Caroline says.....
The candy includes: a Martha Stewart paper trimmer with both cutting and scoring blades, a Tim Holtz 6-sheet grunge paper pak, a Tim Holtz film strip ribbon (I love that stuff!), a package of Tim Holtz reinforcers, a package of red Recollections florals, a Martha Stewart 6.75 x 4.75 inches paper pad, a 3-pak of Inkssentials Mini Misters, a package of Recollections assorted metal brads, a package of Recollections adhesive pearls (you can color these with your Copics or alcohol inks), and a package of Martha Stewart butterfly embellishments. :o) All items are brand new and unopened from a smoke-free home.

Added a Treat ... the blog candy now includes this new limited edition 2011 Fall Colors 3-pak of Distress Inks. They are Seedless Preserves, Ripe Persimmon, and Gathered Twigs. Great colors that you can use all year long!

Also added the Tim Holtz Winter 2011 3-pad Distress Ink pack!! It includes Iced Spruce, Evergreen Bough, and Festive Berries. They are fantabulous colors!!

So the sooner you spread the word, the faster I'll reach 75 followers and the faster the candy will be given out! Thanks in advance for your help!

Let's help Caroline give away this great package of candy -- it's even non-fattening!!

Betty

Roses December Challenge -- Collage Card

2011-12-31T16:46:00.000-06:00

edited to add: Sue Rose just posted her card for the December challenge -- that means it's already Jan. 1 and the first Sunday of the month (and year) in Australia!! So here's my card, too......

The lovely and talented Sue Rose gave us our challenge for December -- a collage card! And there were several stipulations -- we had to use a vintage image, lace, ribbon, glitter and one recycled thing.

I had to get started on this one early because it definitely took me out of my box! I didn't have to look too far for the vintage graphics -- The Graphics Fairy has the most beautiful vintage images. Don't know why I went with the sewing theme because I certainly am not an accomplished seamstress! But that sweet little girl with the creamy ivory dress called my name and I couldn't pass her up! Also found the thread image and the fancy scissors at The Graphics Fairy.

Next came the lace and ribbon -- found both in my stash and adhered the ribbon to the edge of the lace and then threw in a row of pearls for good measure (measure -- get the pun?). Also "tied" a little ribbon bow to the scissors.

I used two recycled things rather than just one -- the buttons are from my mother's button jar. As a kid I used to use these larger buttons to build the outline of a house and then picked out my favorite buttons to be friends and family! (remember when you used to have to "imagine" for play time?)

Now, I had to stretch it a bit for the glitter and I hope it gets past the challenge police! The thin gold thread that I threaded through the button holes has a glittery look to them. The threads are so fine that you probably have to squint to even see them but they are glittery!!

What a way to end the old year and start the new -- I was very pleased with how this card turned out; will try to do one or two vintage cards each month this year! Be sure to check out all the other Roses; I'm sure there will be some fabulous creations -- the links are in my sidebar!

Betty

Am I Blue?

2011-12-30T22:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I'm not blue but my card sure is!! I'd like to enter this card in Annabelle Stamps Bling Sketch Challenge #45, Jellypark Friends Old Year/New Year Challenge to use something old and something new, and For Fun Challenges to show New, Something New.

My "something old" is the lighter color paper that I've embossed with Cuttlebug's Checker Board folder; this is actually one of the first papers I bought when I first started stamping, if you can believe that! And the "something new" is my Papertrey Ink stamp, Background Basics: Gingham. I just got it today, it's that new! Many thanks to my friend Ruthie who brought it down here to me!

Wanted to share another photo with you too. I made another valentine similar to the one I posted yesterday, only reversing the colors -- red where the first card was white and white where the first card was red. I used white embossing powder and versamark to stamp onto the red paper. I also made envelopes for both of the valentines. Love how they all turned out -- my thanks again to Melisa for her inspiration!

Bye for now,
Betty

Thanks, Melisa!

2011-12-29T11:29:00.004-06:00

My thanks go out to Melisa Waldorf today; her creation is the inspiration for this card which I will be sharing at our church stamping group in February.

I used stamps from Layers of Color (the Love Chapter designed by Nina Brackett) and I'm not really sure about the heart stamps -- they are older and could be from either Stampin' Up or Michael's. Cut lots of little square blocks and a tag from Spellbinders Fancy Tags dies.

Next came the inside because a black inside just doesn't work for a valentine's card, now does it????

Cut more square blocks and embossed the white block with one of Cuttlebug's Paper Lace II (a set of four folders) and punched a strip of red with a Martha Stewart Deep Edge Punch (Doily Lace). Added a little block to write a sweet love note and this one was done!

I'd like to enter this card in the Dutch Dare Card Challenges to use your favorite things on your card. One of my favorite things are die cuts -- can't get enough of them!! And of course, LOVE is a favorite thing -- after all, it makes the world go round, right????

I had to record all of the block sizes for my class so thought I'd list them below if you're interested in making a card like this for your sweetie come Valentine's Day.

Betty

1 - 5" square black card base

Outside:
4 - 2" square white blocks
4 - 2 1/8" square red blocks
4 - 2 1/4" square white blocks
1 - 2 1/8" square white block } for center block
1 - 2 1/4" square red block } for center block
1 - Fancy Tags Die Cut } for center

Inside:
1 - 4 3/4" square white block
1 - 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" red block
1 - 3 5/8" x 2 3/8" white block
1 - 1 1/4" x 4 3/4" red block (for lacy punch)

Papertrey Dec.Blog Hop Challenge

2011-12-26T15:57:00.002-06:00

This is my second post today and I have a card for Papertrey Ink's "Holiday Leftovers Challenge". They aren't referring to food, but all of the wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, tags, canceled postage from holiday cards received, photos from holiday cards and anything else that might be laying around after the holiday has ended. The challenge is to use some type of leftover materials to create a project. And for a further challenge, create a non-holiday card from these leftovers.

My snowpeople are from a piece of wrapping paper. Sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Button Bits and I wrote the 2012 on the pail of snowballs. This is a Happy New Year card for friends who are having us over to their home on New Year's Eve.

I am looking forward to another friend's arrival back in Chapala toward the end of the year. She is bringing some new stamps and a die that I had ordered earlier from Papertrey -- can't wait till I can play with them!

Hope Santa filled your stockings with exciting new crafting items!! Another year of creating is almost upon us!

Betty

My 2011 Favorites

2011-12-26T10:04:00.001-06:00

Glenda Brooks over at MagPie's Corner gave me the idea to share some of my favorites cards that I've crafted this past year. I had fun scrolling through my blog posts, remembering the sale of our home in Texas, moving to Mexico, finally receiving our household goods, and all the pictures of pretty scenery, flowers, and sunsets(rises) from our wonderful new home that I've posted.

My TOP 2 are cards that I've CASE'd -- thanks to Deb Felts and Patti Nelson for the inspiration!

Now, for the rest, in no particular order of favoritism -- I'm sharing by categories! The next three were made for challenges using a new technique.

I don't often do vintage cards but Patti P. who is on the DT at Sugar Creek Hollow is inspiring me to do vintage a little more often and this one that I did for a Flourishes challenge has to be one of my favorites!

I really enjoyed decorating mailboxes for my grandkids this past Valentine's Day -- guess you can tell that this is the one I made for Brianna, not for Ashton, but his was pretty darn neat too!

Last, but certainly not least, is a card I made for one of the Roses Challenges. I adore this group of ladies -- they are all so talented and it has been a joy to get to know them via the internet! Sending love to Connie (we've been missing you so much, but you're always going to be one of our Rosie girls!), Kezzie, Kym, Mary Anne, Olga, Patti and Sue!

To all of my other wonderful blogging, crafty friends, I thank you for visiting with me and leaving me such encouraging comments! I love sharing my cards with you and you all never fail to inspire me and stun me with your breathtaking creations!

Let's have another great year in 2012!!
Betty

Christmas Day Blessings

2011-12-25T22:01:00.001-06:00

Good Evening! Hope you've all had a beautiful Christmas with family and friends. We went to church this morning and were so completely blessed by a musical presentation by five talented members of our church family. They presented the musical "Behold the Lamb of God" by Andrew Peterson. Several of the songs made me tear up but there was one titled "Labor of Love" that really had me boo-hooing! It described Mary's ordeal of giving birth and just almost ripped my heart out! I am sharing a link where you can hear this musical presented by the author. If you don't have time to listen to the whole thing, please take time to listen to Labor of Love -- I know you'll be deeply touched.

http://www.andrew-peterson.com/players/btlog/

Here is a picture of our pastor and his wife, Bob and Judy Hendrick (on either end), Patrick DuMouchel who did most of the singing, Eric Callis on guitar, and Miguel Nguyen who sang the "Begats" of Matthew Chapter 1. He was just precious and I marvel at how he remembered all of those names!

Betty

Christmas Eve Morning Delivery

2011-12-24T20:27:00.000-06:00

We had a unique experience this morning that was a true blessing. Larry and I joined with three other families and put together bags of food for 50 families in a nearby village. Another friend had lots of new toys that her cousin had brought with him each time this year that he came to visit. The kids were so excited to be getting toys -- some of them received kites and had them flying above the rooftops in no time! We delivered food to some older people who were unable to come to the central location where we were handing out the bags. It was such a blessing to be able to help these shut-ins and they were so grateful!

Here's a picture of some of the bags and the ornaments that I made to "fancy up" the bags just a bit. I also made bag toppers to put on the bag of cookies that was included with the beans, rice, pasta and oil.

I didn't get any pictures of us handing out the bags of food because it was a little crazy and we were busy carrying the bags from our cars to the group of people waiting to receive them. We worked with a Mexican gentleman who helped us with a list of folks who needed the help; his assistance was invaluable and we couldn't have done it without him!

Here is a picture of kids waiting to get toys; this was after the crowd had thinned out!

I love this picture -- they were all interested to see what their friends received!

Just one more picture to share. I'd said I'd let you know about our poinsettias. I think that we probably waited to transplant them too close to blooming time. You can see that we have three different types. The red one is a new bloom on a stem that was planted without any blooms. The pink ones have done fairly well but nothing to shout about. And the smaller dark ones are a type that I've never seen before -- they are almost a burgundy color and are most interesting. Although they are struggling a bit right now, I bet I'm going to have some gorgeous plants next year!

I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas the happiest of New Years!

Betty

Timeless Tuesday Challenge

2011-12-20T21:05:00.000-06:00

Here is my card for the Timeless Tuesday Challenge at Flourishes. Click on the link and it will take you to the tutorial that Beate has written to make a telescoping image for your card. I used the Paperwhites set from Flourishes, stamping on watercolor paper and then cutting with Nestability Petite Large Oval dies. I used a waterbrush and watercolor crayons to color my flowers. Next I adhered each layer with dimensionals and painted the background with Twinkling H20s, so it has a nice shimmer. Next I dry embossed the background panel and added a wide sheer ribbon at the side and a pretty satin bow at the top.

This was a fun technique; hope you'll join in with me on this challenge.
Betty

Stockings Hung With Care

2011-12-19T09:32:00.000-06:00

No card today but I do have pictures of my grandkids to show you. Because their apartment does not have a fireplace to hang stockings on the mantle, Ashton decided to draw one! Here is a picture of the fireplace and the kids sitting in front of it. What a great imagination -- you don't have a fireplace -- MAKE ONE!

Last Minute Christmas Cards

2011-12-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

I made four of these cards tonight for the attendants who take care of my mother-in-law at her assisted living home. The Inkadinkadoo angel was stamped with versamark ink and embossed with Winter Wonderland Opaque embossing powder. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up. After embossing, I ran the panel through my Big Shot with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and adhered it to a white base with a little panel of silver metallic card stock. I would like to enter my card(s) in the following challenges:
Annabelle Stamps - Christmas Card
For Fun Challenges - Christmas - Anything Goes
Joan's Gardens - Quick Christmas Card
Paper Play Challenges - Christmas Theme

Thanks for stopping by during this busy season!
Betty

Flourishes Day or Night Challenge

2011-12-15T11:17:00.000-06:00

Flourishes is having their new stamp release festivities; for this they have a special challenge that is posted at noon. When I saw that the challenge posted yesterday was to made a card that indicated either day or night I knew that I wanted to use Geri Utterbeck's Sunray Technique. See tutorial here.
I also knew that I wanted to use this particular scripture stamp about God's mercies being new every morning. I also know that I am going to hear of someone who needs to be blessed by this particular card because it all came together too perfectly!! The lace and embellishments were given to me by Melisa Waldorf (thanks, friend!). The flower center is a stick pin and I have added a pearl to the center of it.

If you use Flourishes stamps you will be entered into the drawing twice but you can enter this challenge even if you don't use one of their stamps. The lucky winner will receive the entire December Release! Winners will be announced Saturday in Flourishes' Winner’s Circle Post – check back Saturday, December 17th at noon CST to see if you’re one of the lucky winners!

There will be another challenge announced at noon today. Be sure to check it out too!

Betty

A Christmas Box

2011-12-12T15:12:00.000-06:00

My project today is to Say It With A Christmas Box from AnnaBelle Stamps and I have used a technique from Capture the Moment Make It Monday #45, to color an embossed image. I will also enter my box into the ABC Christmas Challenge where we are up to the letter "Y is for Yippee" -- Christmas is almost here and anything Christmassy goes for the challenge.

I used an empty butter container and a scrapbook kit from the Paper Studio to create my box. Covered the box with a layer of ivory paper, cut out two different paper designs for the sides of the box, and used stickers from the kit to decorate.

To complete the technique from Make It Monday, I stamped the NOEL sentiment in Versamark, embossed with white powder, and cut out with a Fancy Tag die from Spellbinders. Next I used two different colors of green to go over the embossing. I was pleased with the effect I got from the coloring and think it goes better with my decorated box than the stark white embossing would have! To finish, I tied a bow with ribbon from All The Trimmings, which I purchased from Jo-Ann Stores a number of years ago.

**the NOEL stamp is by Layers of Color, from their Christmas Verses set.

I'd like to share a couple of Christmas related pictures with you -- I always think of poinsettias at Christmas and I have a picture of me standing beneath a large poinsettia plant in the area and also one of the poinsettia in the front yard of my MIL's assisted living home which is right next to an orange tree!

Hope you're all enjoying this time before Christmas arrives.

Betty

Vintage Tag

2011-12-11T20:21:00.002-06:00

Yesterday when I printed the Graphics Fairy Victorian Lady image for my card I printed it in two sizes. The smaller image was perfect for the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow to make a vintage Christmas tag. While this doesn't have any particular Christmas image, there are so many blue Christmas wrapping papers these days that I thought this would work on a Christmas present.

I used my new Martha Stewart punch around the page punch and nestabilities to cut out and mat the image. The little corner stamp is from Inkadinkadoo and the "To and From" stamp on the back of the tag is by Layers of Color, from their Glad Tidings set.

And here's my tag (front and back).........

On another note, we had a wonderful lunch this past week at a local restaurant called Panino's. Here is my plate and I have to admit that I totally ate everything on it!! Chicken Kabobs with an Asian sauce, potato salad and green salad -- it was delicious with a capital D! The next pictures shows the restaurant, which is open air dining and it was a delightfully mild day when we were there.

Happy Stamping to All,
Betty

Flourishes Feminine Flair Challenge

2011-12-10T18:35:00.002-06:00

Hello friends! I have been busy lately getting the Christmas tree up and decorated and just getting caught up from being away for two weeks. I have finally had the urge to create a card today, and it came with a challenge from Flourishes.

This is copied from their blog~
HOW TO PLAY: Lace, pearls and flouncy ribbons – these are the things that make up a creation with a truly feminine flair. That’s what is at the heart of this month’s challenge. To enter, let’s see how you add a dose of femininity to your cards or creations! Link your project up here (below using our inlinkz widget). If you upload to SCS, please use the key word FLLCDEC11. Use Flourishes stamps if you have them, but if you don’t please play anyway! The winner will recieve our entire December release. You have until December 16 at 5 PM Easterm time to submit.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to win the entire December release??? And if you don't have Flourishes stamps, you can still play in this challenge -- I bet if you win some, you'll want to get more and more!

Here's my card:

This beautiful Victorian lady is an image from Graphics Fairy. All I had to do was print it and cut out with Nestabilities. Adding the rhinestones took a little bit of time but the job was made easier by using Embellie Gellie. I finally got the Fancy Tags dies when I was in the States at Thanksgiving; I sponged with SU Bordering Blue and used a portion of a stamp from Annabelle Stamps "Ballerina Rose" for the sentiment. Oh yes, the stick pin is from an old corsage.

Good to be stamping and playing with paper again!

Betty

Back Home!

2011-12-02T17:51:00.000-06:00

Made it back home around 10:30 last night. Is it possible that the flight was much longer coming back???? It sure did seem that way! Had a wonderful time visiting with family but it sure was good to see home again!

Here's a card I made this morning that I will be demonstrating tomorrow at our card making class. Hope they enjoy the emobossing technique -- it's still one of my favorites! Love seeing that powder change its appearance when the heat is applied.

The angel stamp is from Inkadinkadoo -- a set called Holiday Silhouettes that I purchased used from Nina Brackett; the sentiment is from a Flourishes' set called Glad Tidings.

We're heading off to a birthday party in just a little while so I'll not have time to do any blog visiting until tomorrow afternoon. See you all then!

Betty

The Grinch Game

2011-11-29T20:57:00.000-06:00

Join in the fun with Laura at Creative Vision, beginning December 2. We had a lot of fun last year and I'm sure Laura's come up with more creative fun this year!

One more day in Texas and then I'll be headed back home to Mexico!

Betty

I'm in Texas!

2011-11-18T08:32:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I arrived in Texas safely, and my luggage did too! My daughter and grandkids were there to pick me up at the airport and it was so wonderful to see them again! Looking forward to a couple of weeks of visiting with friends and family!

Betty

Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy

2011-11-15T00:05:00.002-06:00

Yes, friends, it's definitely an addiction! I said in my last post that I probably wouldn't be posting any more cards until I returned from my trip to the States but I just couldn't stand it -- had to make another card!!

I was doing some organizing and got to looking in a box with leftover Christmas stuff from last year. Saw this little round piece of "joy" which brought to mind the song -- I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.... Couldn't get it out of my head so I figured it was calling me to make a card with it! Found a little punch out image that fit right in the middle and a sentiment that I had cut from a card that we received last year. The gold cardstock was even already embossed and waiting. I really like the look of the gold line underneath the sentiment. I cut it from the embossed panel so it would fit onto the white card base. It looks so much better on this card than it would have looked in the trash can!!

I'll enter this card in three challenges:
Weekly Christmas Card Challenge #50 -- Deck the Halls -- holly or wreaths (do you see the tiny sprigs of holly on the circular image?)
Stamps R Us Challenges -- Bling It On! (gold panel, red pearls)
Hooked on Craft Challenges #12 -- Something Punched! (scalloped mat and image)

Who knows -- I may be back with another card-- I have two more days before I have to get on the plane in Guadalajara!

Betty

A Santa for Brianna

2011-11-12T17:22:00.001-06:00

Here's a card I made to take to my granddaughter, Brianna. I'll get to see her and her brother Ashton on Thursday when they come to pick me up at the airport! Can't wait to see those two rascals again, and my sweet daughter too!

I want to enter this card into the following challenges:
Dutch Dare Card Challenge -- use punches or dies
Crafty Hazel Nuts Christmas Challenge -- use bright colors and/or sparkle
edited to add: oops, missed the deadline for Hazel Nuts!

Santa is a Flourishes stamp; the sentiment and banner are from Layers of Color. Cut out my image with a Nestabilities die and cut another slightly bigger by tracing around the outside of the die that I used and fussy cutting it. I added the red rhinestones to the doily borders and then thought that they would be cute as the holly berries. Sure glad I thought about it because I think it's my favorite feature of this card!

Did you see that I won one of Flourishes new releases this week? The First Noel is a beautiful set and is sure to be enjoyed by my church stamping group when I return on Dec. 1; our group will be meeting on the 3rd and I bet one or two of them are going to want to get this set inky!

I may not have any more cards to post for a bit -- will be trying to clean up my craft area so it will be neat and tidy while I'm away and then I have to decide what to put in my suitcase -- probably should take some winter clothes with me and leave the sandals behind!!

Will be trying to get in a few posts while I'm away so you all don't forget me!! Till then, be happy!
Betty

Christmas Blessings

2011-11-11T00:18:00.000-06:00

This card has been sitting on my desk for several days now -- I wonder how many deadlines have come and gone on these challenges????

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #129 sketch
Really Reasonable Ribbon #35 Christmas theme with a ribbon
Jellypark Friends non-traditional Christmas colors
Crimbo Crackers anything goes Christmas challenge
Crafter's Companion celebrate a holiday
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long use your favorite sketch challenge (Midnight Madness)

This is the first card I've made with this stamp that I got shortly before we moved to Mexico. We've had several cats in the past who loved sleeping under our Christmas tree and the tree lights usually ended up hanging quite close to the floor many mornings!! Sure do miss our kitties but love remembering all their personality "quirks" and the joy they gave us over the years! Anyhow, I'm sure they never had a mouse napping atop their heads!

Hope you're all close to getting your cards done ..... mine are all done, sealed and addressed, ready to go into my suitcase when I head to Houston soon; then my daughter can mail them for me once December arrives!

So long for now,
Betty

A Flourishes Color Challenge

2011-11-10T18:37:00.000-06:00

Here's a card I made this afternoon after we got back from a quick trip to Costco in Guadalajara. After we unloaded and put away groceries I headed to my computer to see what the Flourishes noon time challenge would be today.

It is a color challenge using Red, White and Soft Green. I used a stamp with four Christmas trees from Stubby Stampers and the sentiment is from Layers of Color, Glad Tidings. If you use Flourishes' stamps you are entered into the challenge twice but using other stamps is allowed on this challenge. As a part of their November release, Flourishes revealed a terrific snowglobe stamp today with three cute scenes that can be stamped inside the globe.

The Christmas tree brads started out dark green but I embossed them with the challenge colors. Hope you enjoyed the card; I had lots of fun making it! Why don't you join me -- head over to Flourishes to get all the details. If you don't have any of Flourishes beautiful stamps, you may get lucky and win some!

Betty

Flourishes Challenges

2011-11-09T17:27:00.003-06:00

I have two creations to share with you today. The first one is for the Timeless Tuesday challenge at Flourishes. The challenge is to make a card where you emboss a portion of the card and leave a portion smooth for the image. Here is my card, made with my favorite Flourishes set, All That Glitters. The sentiment is from Christmas Music by Flourishes.

My next creation is for the Wednesday noon time challenge at Flourishes, Tag, You're It! As you might suspect, the challenge is to make a tag or use a tag on a card. This challenge celebrates their November release. Again, I used the All That Glitters set and made a Christmas gift tag. It looks like it could be the offspring of the card above -- they have very similar characteristics!

The shading on the front of the tag was done to cover up a boo-boo (but don't tell anyone, okay?) Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the set which includes the "to" and "from" stamps.

If you want a terrific Christmas set, All That Glitters would be a wonderful choice if you're like me and are really into Christmas ornaments. And Flourishes has even come up with a companion set this year titled Holiday Sparkle. Here's a picture --

Isn't this another set of beautiful vintage glass ornaments? Both of these sets take me right back to childhood and decorating the tree -- such beautiful memories!

Happy papercrafting dear friends! Hope you'll come back again tomorrow for some more Christmas goodies!

Betty

Birthday Card and a Sunset

2011-11-07T17:21:00.001-06:00

This card almost didn't get posted. I made it yesterday and had to keep changing and adding till I finally got to where I "didn't hate it"! Today, I added the little bow and I think that's when I came around to liking it. Poor little card -- it just wanted some love!!

I'll be entering it in the following challenges:

My stamps are from AnnaBelle Stamps -- Sentimental Bluebells and Backgrounds by Design 2.

Lily Pad Color Challenge -- Blue, Mustard, Rust

Cupcake Inspirations Photo -- The colors in the photo can be seen in the designer paper from Gina K. Designs that I used on my card.

I have to share another photo with you. Last evening we had the most glorious sunset! Now, we have beautiful sunsets almost every evening but this one was super spectacular. We walked out in the yard and looked straight up, then turned completely around in a circle. Everywere you looked you could see "fire" in the clouds! Not just over the back fence where the sun sets, but everywhere you looked! I tell you, it was a sight to behold -- God was really doing an awesome work with His paintbrush during the sunset last night!

Bye for now and happy crafting to all,
Betty

Make it Round Like a Wreath

2011-11-06T20:54:00.002-06:00

I just love beautifully colored Christmas ornaments so this inspiration photo caught my eye immediately! It is for Flourishes Christmas Spirit Challenge 19 which is to "make it round like a wreath." And here's my card:

Made use of my Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities to fashion the card and cut out the layers. Stamps are from Flourishes -- Doves and Holly and Holly (background stamp). The holly was all that I colored on the center image and some shading was added around the inside of the die. (I also colored the red berries of the background stamp). Sentiment was also cut out with a Spellbinders die and little pearls added to all the outside scallops.

I'd really like to encourage you to join me (and Theresa P.) in this challenge if you have any Flourishes stamps (that is a requirement -- thanks, Patti, for bringing that to my attention). We've both been winners for the last two challenges -- how exciting is that?! The prize this month is the retired set Christmas Wreath. This set can no longer be purchased so this challenge is an excellent opportunity to have a chance to make it part of your collection. Christmas Wreath has an elaborated scrolled Merry Christmas sentiment that I used on two cards in my previous post. Hope to see you entering your round creations!

Betty

More Christmas Cards

2011-11-05T17:16:00.001-05:00

This is my card for Flourishes' challenge -- Snowy Delights and for the Free for All Friday challenge at stampTV that Tina has named Blue Christmas.

I used a Cuttlebug folder from a set called Winter Wonderland on glossy card stock and then ran my Distress Ink Faded Jeans pad over the paper, followed by buffing it with a paper towel, creating a glassy effect on the glossy paper. Had a small piece left over after cutting out my panel and stamped the Gina K. Designs sentiment from Festive Frame in Night of Navy ink. Cut it out with a Nestabilities rectangle die and framed it with a piece of white glittered card stock cut out with a scalloped rectangle die. Tied a little bow to go at the bottom and I was done!

Our card making group met at church this morning and I showed them the fan fold wreath technique and we all a made a card or two. Here are a couple that I made -- the sentiment is from Flourishes' set Christmas Wreath and the little angel stamp is from Layers of Color Angelic.

And now, just so you'll know that I was at the beach in Puerto Vallerta this past week, here is a picture that shows you some of the scenery that I was enjoying from my hotel window!

Keep warm to those of you who aren't fortunate enough to have temps in the low 80's here at 4:30 in the afternoon,
Betty

Roses October Challenge

2011-10-30T01:00:00.001-05:00

Patti Rose wanted to see Fall cards this last Sunday in October. This digi image plus sentiment is from Doodle Pantry. The patterned paper of fall colored leaves is from Martha Stewart, a 12x12 double sided paper pad called Classic Woodland. Cardstock base is Stampin' Up Old Olive and mat for the image is Really Rust. The brown ribbon is a polytwill from SU, so soft and yummy -- had to use some of it on the inside as well; nothing really fancy -- just a strip of that smooth wonderful ribbon on top of a bit of the patterned paper!

I will be in Puerto Vallerta on the last Sunday of this month so I am going to attempt to progam Blogger to make my post appear then. If it pops up earlier, or doesn't pop up at all, it will totally be operator error!!

Hope you check out all of the Roses' cards -- they usually have links on their posts but hey, I've got to pack -- don't have time for all that! Love you Roses, and all my other blogging friends!

Betty

Greetings From Puerto Vallarta!

2011-10-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! We arrived safely in Puerto Vallerta yesterday. The bus was a very nice one and it was super nice not having to navigate or take my turn at the wheel! We just had to sit there and watch the movies in Spanish! It was a 5 1/2 hour trip and we were tired out when we arrived. The resort where we are staying is very nice; it is smack on the beach and the sound of the waves are so peaceful! There is a man-made lagoon in front of the resort; it's so pretty and is a wonderful place for snorkeling.

I am taking some pictures but I forgot to bring the cable that allows me to download them to the computer. So, it looks like the pictures will have to wait until we return home! I'm going to miss participating in my favorite challenges this week but I guess it's a small price to pay for a vacation in such a beautiful place.

Hope you all have a terrific weekend!
Betty

Merry Christmas Fan Fold Wreath

2011-10-26T11:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! I got to looking for my blog post with this card and realized that I never posted it! So, here goes! First of all, it's ivory not white (seems like I'm always saying that!). The sentiment is from Flourishes and is embossed with Seafoam White embossing powder. The background uses a Cuttlebug embossing folder with snowflakes and I made the little fanfold circle with a snowflake center (that reminds me -- I made this card for a stampTV challenge and posted it there). Added a sheer ivory ribbon and I think it looks like a Christmas wreath. I'm going to demonstrate this technique at our next church stamping day; hope they'll have fun making them too! (if you've never done one, it's easy as can be -- you can find a tutorial at Splitcoaststampers)

I'm packing today for a trip to Puerto Vallarta -- hoping they will have wi-fi where we're staying so I can post some pictures during our stay. We have friends here who go to PV quite often but this will be my first trip -- we'll be taking the bus there so we can enjoy the scenery along the way rather than worrying about taking a wrong turn! It will be a five hour bus trip but I think it will be worth it!

Later,
Betty

Have You Hugged Your Pumpkin Today?

2011-10-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

This sweet little image is from Di's Digis; who couldn't help but fall in love with this face!

There are probably more, but I found two sites that have challenges to use a pumpkin so I'll enter my card here.....

Crafty Contagion #2 with the Stamping Together Divas

2 Sisters Challenge Blog

I started with the image and colored it with Koh-I-Noor pencils blended with baby oil. Next, I cut it out with Spellbinders Nestabilities and matted it. Took the original die and traced around the edge to get the size for the orange mat and cut the brown mat with the next sized up die.

Big thanks go out to my friend Patti Rose who included ribbon with the beautiful birthday card she sent to me. I found a piece of patterned paper in a Martha Stewart 12x12 paper pack that had that teal color from the ribbon for my background paper.

I'm going to enter once more in the Lily Pad Cards challenge; this will be the last, I promise! I really didn't intend to but I must have that sketch in my head; it just worked its way out!

Later,

Betty

Happy Birthday ala Nature

2011-10-22T18:09:00.001-05:00

I have another card today for the sketch at Lily Pad Card Challenges. You are allowed to enter more than once and it is such a great sketch that I decided to use it again. Didn't even flip it this time!

My colors come from the challenge at AnnaBelle Stamps to Say It In ..... Pink, Green and Kraft. The stamps are also from AnnaBelle's set All Things Grow.

I pulled out a tool that hasn't seen the light of day in a long time -- my crimper. Sounds like someone on "So You Think You Can Dance" -- oh wait, that's a crumper! Any how, the Kraft paper in the background has been crimped.

Now, on to my report about my trip to Miguel's in Guadalajara. It was two stories of arts and crafts supplies, but very little for card making. All I saw was a small selection of patterned paper and several assorted hand punches for small items like stars, small animals, etc. But, there were ribbons along several sides of the store, both downstairs and up -- they won't be running out any time soon! And what really appealed to me (although I have plenty in my stash and no need to buy now) was a full long aisle of glitter! Boy, was I in glitter heaven -- every color you could think of, from tiny packs to huge bags! There were foam crafts, artificial flowers, flower picks, storage containers (some of the cutest tiny containers!), jewelry making items, all manner of beads from high end to plastic. The majority of the upper floor had Christmas items. There were many other things that I can't remember but you get the picture! And speaking of pictures........

Along the right wall is a section of ribbon on the upper level.
There's even more than this downstairs, plus the special bins throughout the store with Christmas ribbons!

Here's the glitter aisle, friends!
The left hand side is the bagged glitter. Right hand side are things that already have glitter on them!

I guess you can tell that I had a good time on my outing; didn't buy anything but had a great lunch, lots of fun laughing with friends and looking at pretty stuff! And we all made it back to Chapala in one piece!! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that at one point Johnny Cash was singing "Ghost Riders in the Sky" over the intercom system at Miguel's!

Gotta go for now, adios.....
Betty

Christmas Music

2011-10-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

My card today is made with Flourishes stamps, from the sets Doves and Holly, Drummer Boy and Christmas Music. I embossed the french horn and sentiment with gold embossing powder and used Distressing Inks to make the sheet of music look older; lighter on the background, darker around the edges. Each layer starting with the music is popped up with dimensionals. Had to do a little fussy cutting for the french horn and ivy.

Lily Pad Cards Sketch Challenge provided the layout. Nina Brackett is sponsoring this week.

Their sketch is on the right. But I flipped it -- can you see it now????? I also changed the placement of the sentiment (I didn't want it to be upside down, now did I?)

The challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow is to use Colours of Fall. This challenge is being sponsored by Paper Cupcakes. Now I struggle with vintage, so I'm hoping that this card will fit their challenge -- I did use a piece of "vintage" sheet music!

The final challenge I will be entering is at Wee Memories which is being sponsored by AnnaBelle Stamps. They are having a "Free For All" challenge so you can make any kind of project that you wish.

Changing subjects, I will be going to Guadalajara this afternoon with a group of my stamping buds from church. We are going to Miguel's. This is a craft store and while I hear that it is not quite like Michael's in the States, I look forward to seeing what's there! Will let you know details later.

Hope you all have a great weekend; say a little prayer for us that traffic in Guad will not be awful!

Betty

Layers (of Color) and a Warbler

2011-10-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Layers of Color is sponsoring the challenge at Play Date Cafe this week. My stamp is The Warbler by Layers of Color; the sentiment is also a Layers of Color stamp, from The Love Chapter set. Play Date Cafe set the colors of their challenge as Mauve, Egg Yolk, and Artichoke.

The warbler stamp qualifies my card to be entered into the challenges at the Pixie Dust Paperie October Challenge, which is to use a bird(s), and Stamps R Us which is "Nature's Gifts".

Top Tip Tuesday is calling for layers and I have put a few of those on this card as well!

The ribbon looks like it's white but actually is So Saffron Grosgrain from Stampin' Up and I've put artichoke green rhinestones on the ribbon.

Speaking of Nature's Gifts, we had one of our new hibiscus to bloom today for the first time and it was spectacular -- do you want to see????? Well, here's a picture whether you want to or not! lol!

I feel so blessed to be experiencing the beauty of these flowers outside my window -- at our home in Texas we enjoyed the wildlife but because of the wildlife we weren't able to have beautiful flowers like these! I planted some irises once but the deer dug up the bulbs!!!

Hope you enjoyed my card and the flower and will come back to see me again soon!

Betty

Christmas Cards

2011-10-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

Hello All! Just wanted to share a Christmas card that I made recently for ABC Christmas Challenges. They are up the the letter U and it stands for "Unused Stash". We are to use something that we have never used before and show a picture of the "unused stash" -- I'll start there. Here is a picture of a set of unused Christmas stamps -- I love that snowglobe so thought it would be perfect for my project. Of course, the mittens, snowman and skate are adorable too! I got this set last year after all my Christmas cards were completed so they never saw any ink! It's about time to put them to work!

And now, here's the card that I made with the snowglobe stamp. Also used the Merry Christmas greeting and one of the snowflakes. I love the red and white color combo and that gorgeous striped ribbon comes from Gina K. Designs.

I do have a few more Christmas cards to share but those will wait till another day -- hope all of my friends are having a wonderful day, wherever they may be! (beautiful sunshine here in Chapala!)

Betty

From Me to You

2011-10-17T13:56:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I have a cute little card today and it's from me to you!

Paper and Such has a color challenge this week that inspired my color choices. (My card base and background with swiss dots is Stampin' Up Sahara Sand, even though it looks white). Here is a the picture from Paper and Such with the range of colors:

The technique that I've used on my card comes from Papertrey Ink Make It Monday -- Layered Mats & Frames. Please check out the link. Dawn McVey shows us how to use different die cuts to make frames and mats for our cards in this video; she is such a sweet gal and anyone who goes to her blog is made to feel like a friend! I have used three different dies and the cutest stamp set from Papertrey Ink called Everyday Button Bits. Don't you just love the little bird I made with a button from my stash along with the Papertrey Ink stamps. I can just hear him chirp, chirp, chirping!

So long for now,
Betty

Nightingale Birthday

2011-10-14T16:03:00.007-05:00

We have sunshine today! We've had several days of rain due to Hurricane Jova which hit the west coast of Mexico near the Puerto Vallarta area. There are mountains between the coast and Chapala so we are pretty well protected from hurricanes (PTL!) but we did get lots of rain (which was needed, by the way, because our normal rainfall for the year was about 8 inches low).

The colors on my card didn't photograph well -- what looks to be blue is actually a sage green. The papers that I have used come from an older Stampin' Up Designers Paper pack titled Autumn Vine. Card stock is also from SU, More Mustard and Really Rust.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Dutch Dare Card Challenges #134 - Sketch
AnnaBelle Stamps - Say It With Embellished Corners
MelJens Designs #80 - Use a Ribbon
Stampin' B's - Use a Bird
Papertake Weekly - Use 3 Shapes (rectangles, ovals, circles)
Fussy and Fancy Friday - Fall or Halloween
Delightful Challenges - Fall Colours

Stamps: See D's Nightingale & Gina K. Designs Fanciful Tags

Dies: ProvoCraft Corner Die and Spellbinders Large Classic Ovals

Embellishments: Metal Stickers Nailheads, Ribbon, and Buttons

Didn't get out a whole lot this week due to the rain but I was able to follow along with the Flourishes new releases and play in their challenges. I'll do a post tomorrow and show you what I created; keeping my fingers crossed to win a new stamp set!!

Betty

Fun with Pumpkins

2011-10-13T15:25:00.001-05:00

The challenge at Fun For Challenges this week is to use a pumpkin on your card (not a jack-o-lantern). I've been wondering what I could do because I don't have a single pumpkin in my arsenal of stamps! Then the Calvary rode in to my rescue -- Kathy at The Graphics Fairy posted a wonderful image this morning -- a vintage botanical print of a pumpkin and vine.

I would also like to enter this card in the Designer's Choice Challenge at Repeat Impressions, presented by Joy Hadden. It is to make a Halloween or Fall card.

My card came together quickly because all I had to do was mat the image and the sentiment. It will be a birthday card for someone in our church next month -- I thought the image would be appropriate for a November birthday!

Betty

Fall Challenges

2011-10-11T22:36:00.001-05:00

Well, I started off making this card for Jennie Harper's Mix It Up Monday challenge over at stamp TV for Fall Foliage. I also found some other challenge sites that had Fall/Autumn Colors as their theme.
Fussy & Fancy -- Fall or Halloween
Stampin For the Weekend -- Colors of Autumn
Paper Play Challenge -- Autumnal Colours
Stamps R Us -- Autumn/Fall

My papers and stamps are from Stampin' Up. I tried a new technique that I saw on Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday #36 video -- Faux Watercoloring. I stamped my leaves and then used my Stampin' Up water brush to blend the color into the white areas of the leaves. The leaves on my card were stamped on plain white cardstock and it's a little hard to see the watercolor effect; although, if you look closely you may be able to see that the color is darker right at the edges of the leaves. I did try some different leaves on watercolor paper and the effect is much more obvious.

Thinking of all of you, my blogging friends,
Betty

Christmas Ornament

2011-10-11T11:15:00.001-05:00

I am excited about my post today! This is a Christmas ornament I made for the Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday challenge. We are to make a Christmas ornament or a card that features a Christmas ornament. The lucky winner will receive their entire October release!

I was up in the wee hours this morning and saw the Flourishes' post along with one from Top Tip Tuesday with a tutorial for a zig zag flower. I had first seen this type of embellishment at Splitcoast Stampers (theirs was called a Fan Fold Flower) and I was so grateful to TTT for bringing it to mind, because I knew it would make a great base for my Christmas ornament!

I used Flourishes' stamp set, All That Glitters, to make my ornament. Embossed the ornament with Winter Wonderland Opaque powder so it has a glittery look to it. This is such a beautiful set -- has lovely vintage looking Christmas ornaments.

All That Glitters by Flourishes

Now, you know how ornaments sometimes tend to turn when they are on the tree -- well, I decided to decorate the back of my ornament as well so that if it gets turned, it will still be pretty. So, here's a picture of the back

It's not quite as pretty because it's missing the decorative paper on the fanfold base, but if it gets turned around at least it won't be completely plain!

Did you notice that I hung my ornament on a poinsettia to take the photo? We (actually, our gardener) just recently planted three poinsettias and I'm wondering if they will turn red this year -- if so, I'll post another picture!

Wonderful day wishes to all!
Betty

Almost No Stamps!

2011-10-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

Seems like I've been in a CASE-ing mood lately. Does that mean that I can't come up with my own ideas???? Actually, I prefer to think that I am highly inspired by the creations of other talented people! My card today was inspired by Tilly at This, That and Everything In Between. You've got to go check out her inchie cards, done with Cuttlebug embossing folders -- adorable!

The color combo that I've used is from
Annabelle Stamps. My green didn't photograph well -- it's closer to the ink color of the sentiment.

I will also be entering my card in the following challenges:

Fab N Funky Challenge #93 to use die cuts or punches.

Speedy the Cat's Friends #76 to NOT use any designer paper.

Stamping Together Divas to use twine.

The chocolate background was embossed with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots, the inchies+ embossed with Cuttlebug's DVine Swirl, Tiny Bubbles and a little, tiny folder that I don't have the name of. I used Stampin' Up square punches and a Spellbinders Nestability Long Classic Rectangle die. I didn't have any of that gorgeous baker's twine that the Stamping Together Divas have, but I used some hemp cord. Sentiment is from Annabelle Stamps, Sentimental Bluebells.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Connie, my friend, if you see this hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Betty

Sugar Creek Hollow and Plumrose Lane

2011-10-08T12:46:00.002-05:00

Well, everyone, today it's Patti Painter's turn! Although I'm not actually casing her card, she did encourage me to step out of my box and try a vintage Halloween card over at Sugar Creek Hollow. Her friend Sharon at Plumrose Lane is sponsoring the challenge this week and has a freebie for us to craft with. It includes two printable cards and envelopes; also a collage sheet of images. The link is at Sugar Creek Hollow.

I have made this card for my grandkids in Texas. The bats are for Ashton and the flower is for Brianna. Inside, I also have spiders for Ashton and a butterfly for Brianna. All digital images are from Plumrose Lane which I printed out and fussy cut. On both the front and inside I added a portion of a doily that I inked up with Momento Tuxedo Black ink. All of the images are popped up with dimensionals. The bats are flying, the flower petals are swaying in the breeze and the little kitty just wants to know what the heck is going on -- why is he sitting on a pumpkin with a crow, wearing a goofy hat!! The sentiment stamp is from Autumn Leaves, Forever. I have to send my hugs and kisses in the mail since I'm not there to do it in person!

Thanks, Patti, for making me do something a little different -- I'm sure the kids are going to love it!

Betty

Another Case

2011-10-07T19:38:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! Here's a Christmas card that I'd like to share with you! (just disregard the fact that it's totally like Spring outside today and I've been enjoying our hot tub -- think Christmas!)

I've talked to the doctor and I have another "case" of "CASE Patti-itis" -- only, this time it's Patti Nelson! Here is Patti's gorgeous card and this is the link to her blog post.

I used the color combo of red and kraft for my card which is the challenge that Suzanne Dean has set before us at StampTV for the Free For All Friday Challenge.

Back in the challenge world again is ABC Challenges; this week is A is for Anything Goes.

The challenge at Truly Scrumptious Challenges is Distressing (the snowflake and mat on the inside of my card is distressed).

And I would also like to enter this at Dutch Dare Card Challenges #133 for a Special Fold Card. And since I need to show my "special fold", here it is:

Thanks for stopping by; I enjoyed your visit!
Betty

A Fall Card For Y'all

2011-10-05T08:19:00.004-05:00

The layout for my card today comes from a card that I have CASEd by Patti J. at Cherish Each Precious Day.

Case Patti J.

Cupcake Inspirations #130

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #132

I have used inspiration photos from the following challenges:

Cupcake Inspirations #130

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #132

And here's my card:

I will also be entering this card in the following challenges:

Mix It Up Monday challenge at stampTV to make a card and a matching decorative envelope.

Challenge at Speedy the Cat's Friends to use polka dots on a card.

Challenge at Friends of SpeedyTV to make a masculine card.

I made my leaves by using a video that has been posted at SpeedyTV by MariLynn DeGroot that shows a tutorial for Burned Paper Bag Leaves. Thanks to MariLynn, I can also enter the followoing challenges:

For Fun Challenges to use leaves on your project.
Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge to use a new technique.

Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up, Autumn Vine 12x12
Cardstock SU More Mustard and Really Rust
Sentiment is from AnnaBelle Stamps, Sentimental Bluebells

I'm not sure where the image of the pears came from. I found it, already matted in a shoebox full of things that I had punched out, cut out and never used. I've got to wittle down all the stuff in that box!

One more picture this morning, if you're up to it -- Sunrise Over Lake Chapala (taken this morning).

Betty

P.S. I have no idea why my post looks so different from the "compose" feature on Blogger. Everything is in strange locations! (the ghosts and goblins may be up and around getting ready for Halloween!)

Christmas Spirit Challenge at Flourishes

2011-10-04T10:27:00.004-05:00

First off, I have some more good news to share -- I was one of the winners of a Paperwhites stamp set from Flourishes for their September Christmas Spirit challenge! That set of lovliness should be traveling its way to me this very minute!!

The Flourishes Christmas Spirit challenge for October is make your card (or something on your card) shiny like a piece of candy.

I've got lots of shiny goodnes on this card. The darker blue behind my image is from a DCWV Shimmer Matstack, the tree branch and sentiment are emobssed in white, and the ribbon (especially the edges) are shiny too! A little bit about the ornament -- the stamp is from the Flourishes set, All That Glitters. I embossed it in white on the shiny blue paper in and then took a metallic silver marker to give the embossing and the paper more of a silver tint. Next, I embossed the whole thing in Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel so it has a very shiny, candy-like surface. I cut a little slit in the branch to thread the shiny metallic gold thread through to hang the ornament.

Hope you enjoyed all the "shiny-ness" and can join me by posting your shiny card in Flourishes' thread on Splitcoast Stampers.

Betty

Digi Image Birthday

2011-10-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

I have a birthday card today -- after all, Mark's Finest Papers is having a second birthday! And the challenge from Speedy the Cat's Friends this week is to use polka dots. They did specify that it was okay to use a Swiss Dots embossing folder for your polka dots and that's just what I did -- my favorite folder ever!

The sketch that I used comes from Eat Sleep Stamp (repeat as needed)! Isn't that a great name???Another terrific sketch this week;

My patterned paper is from Basic Grey, Origins. Paper with swiss dots is from K and Company. Other card stock is from Stampin' Up. The digital image is by Lilyboo.

Had a wonderful morning at church and then a group of us went out for lunch at a restaurant called Tango -- my sister will know the restaurant I'm talking about and she'll be wishing she could have gone too! Oh, some others of you may remember too -- I posted a photo on my blog once about a painting that was done on the bathroom door that depicts two goofy looking guys looking over a fence at you (me) sitting there!!

Now, I think it's siesta time!!
Betty

AnnaBelle Bling Sketch Challenge

2011-10-01T20:41:00.005-05:00

Here's the sketch this month from AnnaBelle Stamps. A $15 gift voucher is the prize for this challenge and there are great stamps and other goodies at AnnaBelle Stamps. Get your card entered for your chance to win!

You've seen the sketch; now, here's my card.

The stamps sets from AnnaBelle that I've used are All Things Grow and Sentimental Bluebells. Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies were used to cut out and mat the images and sentiment, with a little sponging added to the sentiment. Background was embossed with a Cuttlebug folder and a smaller ribbon was placed on top of the wider one. Shiny dimensional stickers offer the finishing touch.

Did you enjoy World Cardmaking Day? I spent the morning with our church cardmaking group -- it's sure good to have friends to share this wonderful hobby with!!

Betty

Inspiration Challenge

2011-09-29T14:09:00.000-05:00

Made this card for the Mix It Up Monday challenge over at stampTV. Tami posted a picture as an inspiration challenge and I took the colors to make my card. The stamps are from Stampin' Up but the designer paper is from Gina K. Designs. Seems like I had to work, work, work to get this card in shape! Had to restamp and then changed my layout several times, but I'm finally fairly pleased with it. The medallion, leaf and sentiment are popped up but it's hard to tell that in the photo. The center of the medallion was stamped on the dp, then cut out and popped up. I also cut out the thin mat around the medallion in GKD Pure Luxury Ocean Mist (which I also used for the card base) and sponged around the edges with brown ink.

Thank you all for coming by this past week and commenting on my dragonfly card. I was pleased that Tracy chose it to highlight on her blog today. I'd love for you all to stop by at Eat, Sleep, Stamp and take another peek at my card and see the new sketch. I really enjoyed working with her sketch last week and plan to play again this week. Hope you can join me!

Betty

2011-09-26T09:40:00.000-05:00

Melisa Waldorf has hit a home run with another terrific tutorial! This time it is for a Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder. She has a link on her blog for the free template which comes from Waltzing Mouse; she made a modification to the template which makes it much easier to cut out. So, pop on over there and check out her project, decorated beautifully with one of Layers of Color's new Christmas releases.

My stocking was decorated with Layers of Color's set, Reindeer Waltz; just love these guys -- they are so artistic! "Merry Christmas" came from Michael's and "Something for You" is from Stampin' Up.

I was lucky enough to meet Melisa when she moved to the Houston area from Florida. We were able to get together several times to stamp and craft and chat and I enjoyed her friendship tremendously; it was hard to leave her when I moved away -- if she hadn't been in the process of buying her new house, I would have tucked her into my suitcase! But thanks to the internet, I can still enjoy her friendship and her generosity as she shares so much of what she learns on her blog.

Hope all of my "internet buds" out there have a great day (looks like it may rain here!),
Betty

Roses September Challenge

2011-09-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

This month it was my turn to name the challenge for the Roses. It may not have been much of a "challenge" for this talented group of gals, but I wanted to see RIBBON on everyone's cards.

The colors in my photo are actually turquoise even though they look blue. I love this sheer ribbon that I found at The Dollar Tree a year or so ago. Cardstock is PL Ocean Mist by Gina K. Designs and Very Vanilla and Tempting Turquoise by Stampin' Up. DP is from a paper pack by Pressed Petals. The stamp is from one of my favorite stampTV kits, Elegant Flowers. (my other favorite is Spring Mix!)

My card is a CASE of a card by Deb Felts, "HBD Lee!" The Friday Free For All at stampTV is a challenge to case a card of Deb Felts, Design Team Member. Take a look at her card, it is a stunner!

I'm off to church now. Will visit everyone's blogs later this afternoon! Have a blessed day!

Betty

Make It Manly

2011-09-24T11:37:00.000-05:00

My last post showcased a "girly" card. Today, we're switching directions and going with a "manly" card.

I have four challenge spots to thank for my inspiration for this card.
Eat, Sleep, Stamp sketch challenge 148
AnnaBelle Stamps Say It With A Male Card
Speedy the Cat's Friends to make things with wings
Fab N Funky Challenges to make a card that's "hard for you to make".

I used Stampin' Up cardstock, Close to Cocoa and Creamy Caramel and papers from a Scrapbook Kit titled Great Outdoors. I used the Cuttlebug CheckerBoard embossing folder on the small circle to imitate the pattern on the square paper.

I don't make a lot of "manly" cards because "girly" just comes much easier. However, this one seemed to come together with no trouble at all, thanks to a great sketch and a beautiful dragonfly image that I printed, cut out and popped up. The sentiment from AnnaBelle Stamps "All Things Grow" is also popped up to add some dimension.

Hope you all have a pleasant weekend!
Betty

Thinking in Pink

2011-09-22T16:02:00.000-05:00

My card today is pink and white, with just a touch of green.

I made it with two challenges in mind. The sketch comes from WHAT IF? Wednesday Sketch Challenge S211 with Repeat Impressions Stamps. And Stampin' B's Challenge 129 is to use two or more Spellbinders Dies.

Here's the sketch:

This is definitely not a card to send to a gentleman -- it's feminine all the way!

Later,
Betty

Peaceful Christmas Card

2011-09-21T18:16:00.000-05:00

This is my first time to enter a challenge at Joan's Gardens. I was checking out my online friend Theresa Pollack's blog today and saw that she had made a card for this challenge so I decided to join in with her.
The challenge is to make a Christmas card with a background that has been embossed with an inked embossing folder. It also has to have striped designer paper and a sentiment heat embossed with gold powder.
I think this one fits the bill and I do hope that I will be able to join in more often with their challenges.

On another note, our bookcase was delivered yesterday and I started unpacking our remaining boxes and filling in the shelves. There are still a few boxes left but they are filled with photo albums and framed art pieces. Haven't decided what I'm going to do with them yet.

We were out running errands most of the day. Had lunch at a neat little place called Lake Taco and had their special of the day, Shrimp Louie Salad. We thought we were in heaven -- YUM!!!!!!!

Hope it's been a good day for everyone!
Betty

What a Blessing!

2011-09-20T06:14:00.001-05:00

Have you seen the new Christmas release from Layers of Color? I can't hardly believe the awesome news I have to share with you today -- I am the winner of the complete release!! What a tremendous blessing and I just can't thank Laura at Layers of Color enough. I am so looking forward to sharing my good fortune with other stamper friends from church at our next meeting! We're going to be able to make extremely lovely Christmas cards this year -- the design team at Layers of Color have extremely beautiful examples to get us inspired!
What an exciting way to start the morning -- finding wonderful news in my inbox! But blessings abound each day -- we just have to slow down and recognize them. Yesterday, I was blessed by a couple of birds playing on my fence; want to see pictures????

See those little curved pieces they are standing on? They look so cute hopping from one to the next all along the fence -- just like they are chasing one another! They act like that fence was made that way just for their pleasure! And on the next picture, my husband says that the uppermost bird is the female (bet you can't guess why!!)

Enjoy your day,
Betty

Lily Pad Christmas

2011-09-18T20:48:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a blessed Sunday. Before I headed off to church tthis morning I ran across a "new to me" challenge at Lily Pad. This was a sketch challenge that completely appealed to me. Here's the sketch and my take on the sketch:

My card base is glossy cardstock. The thin blocks of color are Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, and Bordering Blue. The snowflake and sentiment were done with a resist technique on glossy cardstock. I've enjoyed doing several things lately with the glossy cardstock/resist technique.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week,
Betty